First, a temporary continuing resolution has a hard deadline, while a debt limit increase does not.

Second, defaulting on a debt obligation is potentially far more serious than a temporary government shutdown.

Third, a freestanding debt limit increase bill doesn’t contain any spending cut, so there is no “natural” fiscal policy that should obviously included.

So there are questions as to when and how much to extend the debt ceiling. This will become another football, as Boehner can force the administration to come begging again soon by being too frugal with the extension.
These cruel ways, Mr. Boehner: don’t. Stop. Don’t stop.